Manchester United have not given up hope on luring Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale to Old Trafford before the close of the summer window on Tuesday.
The Red Devils are said to still be searching for a marquee signing within the next few days and, according to ESPN FC, they will make one last major attempt to strike a deal for the Wales international, and hope to put an end to speculation on David De Gea‘s future simultaneously.
ESPN claim that their sources have been informed that United will look to take advantage of Real’s interest in De Gea, as they believe that the La Liga BBVA giants’ desire to land the Spain goalkeeper may open up the possibility to negotiate over Bale.
However, given this is a similar tactic the Premier League heavyweights employed in attempting to sign Sergio Ramos – who later extended his deal at the Santiago Bernabeu – this report should be taken with a pinch of salt.
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De Gea has not made a single appearance – even on the substitutes’ bench – for United this season, with Louis van Gaal, the club’s manager, publicly stating that the stopper is not in the right state of mind to play amid the ongoing reports questioning his future in Manchester.
With the close of the summer window fast approaching, it is looking increasingly likely that De Gea will see out the remaining year of his contract at the Theatre of Dreams; but whether he will be the club’s No.1 over the next 12 months is in worrying doubt.